World leaders call India, Pakistan to exercise 'maximum restraint'

In an attempt to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, India carried out “Operation Sindoor” in the early hours of Wednesday morning with world leaders turning into mediating links while hoping for aggressive matters between India and Pakistan to de-escalate as soon as possible.

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While the majority denounced terrorism, particular countries also resorted to picking sides. In his reaction US President Donald Trump called it a shame and hoped that it would end "very quickly."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X he was "monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan closely" while adding that Washington will continue to engage the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours towards a "peaceful resolution."

China also expressed concern over Indian strikes on Pakistan, urging both sides to show restraint in response to a major escalation between its nuclear-armed neighbours.

"We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritise peace and stability, remain calm and restrained and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation," a spokesperson for Beijing's foreign ministry said.

Beijing also said it was willing to play a "constructive role" in easing tensions between Pakistan and India in response to a major escalation between its nuclear-armed neighbours.

"We are willing to work together with the international community and continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tensions," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a briefing. Russia also called for both India and Pakistan to show "restraint" after they exchanged heavy artillery fire following deadly missile strikes by New Delhi, in the worst violence between the nuclear-armed neighbours in two decades.

Russia's foreign ministry said it was "deeply concerned by the escalation of military confrontation", called "on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration" and said it hoped tensions could be "resolved through peaceful, diplomatic means."

Also, the UK said it is ready to support both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said.

"Our message would be that we are a friend, a partner to both countries. We stand ready to support both countries. Both have a huge interest in regional stability, in dialogue, in de-escalation and anything we can do to support that, we are here and willing to do," Reynolds told BBC.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, in an interview on TF1 television said, "We understand India's desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint to avoid escalation and, of course, to protect civilians.”

Israel has backed ‘India's right to self-defence' after missile strikes on Pakistan. Taking to X, Reuven Azar, Israeli Ambassador to India, said Israel "supports India's right for self-defence", adding that "Terrorists should know there's no place to hide from their heinous crimes against the innocent".

The UAE meanwhile, asked India and Pakistan “to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation that could threaten regional and international peace,” according to a statement from UAE Deputy PM of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“His Highness reaffirmed that diplomacy and dialogue remain the most effective means of peacefully resolving crises, and achieving the shared aspirations of nations for peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement read.